Christ taught the same principle when He said, “those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart” (Matthew 15:18). A “froward” mouth [perverse, crooked, wicked] reflects a “froward” heart. Listen long enough to what a man says and you will know what is in his heart (Matthew 15:19).

In today’s devotion we find that a wicked heart is laid bare not only by a man’s words, but also by his “body language”.

Proverbs 6:13 – “He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;”

Solomon identifies three physical gestures that mark the manner of the wicked. The first—the wicked “winketh with his eyes” (6:13a).

It is said that the eye is the window to the soul and I have found that the wicked often communicate mischief by winking consciously or blinking excessively subconsciously. Because the wicked “winketh with his eye”, it behooves us to note a man’s eyes. Is he able and willing to look you in the eye? Does he look away to avoid eye contact? Are his eyes half-shut indicating emotional detachment? Are his eyes warm and inviting or cold and heartless? The wicked “winketh with his eyes” (6:13a).

The wicked also “speaketh with his feet” (6:13b). This may indicate a nervous, rapid tapping of the foot or an inability to sit still. Some might describe this gesture as indicative of nervous energy or an agitated state.

The third gesture of the wicked is “he teacheth with his fingers” (6:13c). This is not a reference to modern sign language, but a use of the finger or fist in a threatening manner. The wicked not only has a wagging tongue, he has a wagging finger! Our 21st century equivalent might be making the gesture of a gun with the hand while pointing the index finger at another.

We have noted the words of the wicked and the ways of the wicked. In closing I invite you to notice the woe of the wicked—his tragic end.

The wicked are by nature brazen, threatening and vindictive; however, they will inevitably face God’s justice—either on this earth or in eternity. The wicked often come to a sudden and calamitous end. Physical disease or accidents often cut short the life of the wicked. Because his words and ways drive away those who love him, the wicked are often haunted by depression, loneliness and abandonment.

Desperation often seizes upon the soul of the wicked and tragedy often marks his demise [“suddenly…broken without remedy” – 6:15].